Astrid's POV
Pain was the first thing I felt when consciousness dragged me back from the darkness.
Excruciating, bone-deep pain that made every breath feel like swallowing glass.
I tried to move, but my body wouldn't respond. My limbs felt heavy, useless, like they belonged to someone else.
Slowly, painfully, I forced my eyes open.
The world came into focus in pieces. A low ceiling, cracked stone walls, and dim light filtering through a small barred window.
And cold. So cold.
I looked down at myself and my stomach twisted.
Silver chains were wrapped around my wrists and ankles, binding me to the wall.
My skin under them was burned, raw and blistering where the metal touched. The smell of charred flesh filled my nose, making me gag.
I tried to pull against the chains, but pain exp
